Abstract: A system for providing service-specific support for multimedia traffic in a telecommunications system comprises a subscriber terminal, a base station operatively coupled to the subscriber terminal, a mobile switching center (MSC) operatively coupled to the base station, a media gateway control function (MGCF) and a media gateway (MGW), each coupled to the MSC. The subscriber terminal is adapted to generate multimedia traffic of at least one service category, wherein the multimedia traffic may be any of several distinct types defined within the service category. The subscriber terminal is further adapted to identify, when establishing a connection to the MSC to carry multimedia traffic, the type of that traffic in a connection request message. The MSC is adapted to further identify, when establishing a connection between the MSC and the MGCF/MGW to carry multimedia traffic, the type of that traffic in a message, responsive to the identification of the traffic type in the connection request message.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: an intercom system; a wireless push-to-talk system; and an integrated intercom/push-to-talk system operatively coupled to the intercom system and the wireless push-to-talk system, the integrated intercom/push-to-talk system functioning as a wireless terminal that communicates with the wireless push-to-talk system, and functioning as an intercom unit in the intercom system. Embodiments support an integration of, for example, a home intercom system with, for example, a commercially available wireless push-to-talk service.

Abstract: A system for delivering to a wireless subscriber terminal multimedia content related to a spectator event comprises an event application server, a wireless network coupled to the event application server and a wireless subscriber terminal that interacts with the network. The event application server acquires, converts, and manages content related to a spectator event. The event application server (or its adjunct) also manages preferences and priorities established by subscribers for event-related content. When such content is available, the event application server reconciles available content with subscriber preferences and priorities to determine an optimal set of content to be delivered to the subscriber terminal, and requests that the wireless network establish a connection to the subscriber terminal for such content. Multiple streams of content, of various types of media, may be delivered simultaneously to the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A method comprises the step of estimating a time period that remains for a cellular mobile communication device data transmission based on one or more determinations of status for one or more network resources that handle the cellular mobile communication device data transmission.

Abstract: A real-time transmission of a video from a first mobile station to a second mobile station is performed through employment of a data path between the first mobile station and the second mobile station.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide network support for automatic anti-virus protection by a telecommunication network for mobile terminals. The method may have the steps of: storing in the telecommunication network at least one anti-virus protection level for at least one mobile terminal; initiating, by the telecommunication network, a call setup for a call associated with the mobile terminal, the call having a data stream; using, by the communication network, the at least one anti-virus protection level to recognize a virus in the data stream intended for the mobile handset; and filtering, by the network, the recognized virus from the data stream before the data stream arrives at the mobile terminal. The system implements the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing network support for voice-activated mobile web browsing for audio data streams. More particularly, the presently described embodiments are directed to enhancing an existing wireless network to provide hands-free web browsing to retrieve audio data. This allows wireless customers to make verbal web requests, (e.g., not requiring the use of hands), thus making it possible to request web audio programs while engaging in other activities, such as safely driving their vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to assist in providing security for vehicles with keyless ignition systems. The present invention involves receiving, via wireless communications, a signal to start an ignition of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the signal, a built-in cellular phone in the vehicle transmits a message to a server to provide a security key to the vehicle and the security key and a message to all mobile phones registered to a driver of the vehicle. The message indicates that an attempt has been made to start the vehicle. Upon receipt of the security key, the driver of the vehicle may input the security key into a key pad of the vehicle. If the security key received by the vehicle from the server matches the security key inputted by the driver of the vehicle, then the keyless ignition system may start the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of called party terminals in a bridged a call session with a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calling party terminal. The method includes the VOIP terminal sending called party terminal identifiers identifying each called party terminal to a calling party Service Control Point (SCP), and creating a bridged call session at the SCP connecting the called party terminals and the calling party VOIP terminal. The apparatus includes a system for sending called party terminal identifiers identifying each called party terminal to a calling party Service Control Point (SCP), and creating a bridged call session at the SCP connecting the called party terminals and the calling party VOIP terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of separate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) call sessions for a single Directory Number (DN). The method includes associating a plurality of IP addresses with a single DN, communicating the association to a Switching Center responsible for routing calls between the DN and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), determining that an existing VOIP call session associated with the DN is in progress, and creating another separate simultaneous VOIP call session for the DN. A communications system includes a switching center receiving an association between a plurality of IP addresses and a single DN for providing a plurality of separate simultaneous VOIP call sessions for the DN.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling of short message service (SMS) messages for a mobile station (MS) (10) served by a wireless telecommunications network. The method includes: receiving an SMS message at the MS (10), the SMS message being a text message; alerting a user of the MS (10) that the SMS message has been received; receiving an indication that the user desires to audibly retrieve the SMS message; converting the SMS message from a text message to a corresponding verbal message; and, playing the verbal message.

Abstract: An exemplary wireless mobile telephone includes a transmitter and receiver module for transmitting and receiving radio communications, and a display screen. A mechanism acquires linear distance measurements to objects within line of sight of the wireless mobile telephone. A graphical representation of a structure having elements to be measured is stored in memory. A microprocessing unit operating under the control of software stores in the memory a plurality of the linear distance measurements, where each stored linear distance measurement is associated with a corresponding element of the graphical representation as shown on the display screen. This enables areas defined by a pair of such elements to be calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and apparatus provide remote access and file sharing functionality between mobile terminals of mobile subscribers in a telecommunication network. One embodiment may have the steps of: defining at least one privileged mobile terminal that has remote access to a first mobile terminal; defining file sharing strategy for at least one file that is sharable with the at least one privileged mobile terminal; and storing, in a database of the network, identification of the at least one privileged mobile terminal that has remote access privileges to the first mobile terminal, and the file sharing strategy for the at least one file on the first privileged mobile terminal. The apparatus implements the method.

Abstract: A system for supporting virtual conferences includes a switching center, a virtual conference database and a virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference database stores virtual conference information comprising, for example, images associated with a room type, an outdoor environment, a presentation medium and/or a meeting room facility. The switching center is operable to set up a virtual conference including a host terminal and one or more participating terminals by connecting the terminals to the conference bridge, retrieving selected virtual conference information from the virtual conference database and sending the information to the virtual conference bridge. The virtual conference information includes images of the participants such that the host terminal and participating terminals see and hear other participants in a virtual meeting room.

Abstract: A mobile communication device of an apparatus in one example sends a plurality of rate queries to a plurality of service providers. Based on one or more rate quotes received from one or more of the plurality of service providers in response to one or more of the plurality of rate queries, the mobile communication device selects one of the plurality of service providers to handle a communication session.

Abstract: A mobile communications network is provisioned to provide surveillance services. A subscriber database is adapted to include surveillance service information. For example, the subscriber database is adapted to include an IP address of a surveillance sensor such as a camera or microphone associated with a subscriber and located at a place to be monitored. A mobile switching center is adapted to determine a surveillance session start time, receive the surveillance sensor IP address from the subscriber database and connect to the surveillance sensor associated with the IP address. The MSC is also adapted to receive surveillance information from the surveillance sensor and transmit the surveillance information to a mobile communications device of the subscriber. The mobile communications device presents the surveillance information to the user. For example, images are displayed and/or audio signals are produced. The subscriber database can be provisioned by the subscriber through a web portal.

Abstract: A system for providing service-specific support for multimedia traffic in a telecommunications system comprises a subscriber terminal, a base station operatively coupled to the subscriber terminal, a mobile switching center (MSC) operatively coupled to the base station, a media gateway control function (MGCF) and a media gateway (MGW), each coupled to the MSC. The subscriber terminal is adapted to generate multimedia traffic of at least one service category, wherein the multimedia traffic may be any of several distinct types defined within the service category. The subscriber terminal is further adapted to identify, when establishing a connection to the MSC to carry multimedia traffic, the type of that traffic in a connection request message. The MSC is adapted to further identify, when establishing a connection between the MSC and the MGCF/MGW to carry multimedia traffic, the type of that traffic in a message, responsive to the identification of the traffic type in the connection request message.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: at least one media source operatively coupled to a controller, the controller selecting at least one media event from the at least one media source; the controller operatively coupled to a telecommunications system having at least one application server; a storage associated with the application server, the at least one media event saved to at least one media event file, an origin of a file content of the at least one media event file, and at least one destination associated with the at least one media event stored on the storage; at least one charge for a sending of the copy of the at least one media event file to the at least one destination; and a royalty fee based on the origin of the at least one media event file.

Abstract: Embodiments of the method and system provide for network support for call record privacy in a telecommunication system. The method in an embodiment may have the steps of: checking for a subscription to the call record privacy feature by a subscriber; checking if the call record privacy feature is active for a call associated with the subscriber; and marking call detail records of the call as “private” when the call record privacy feature is active. The system implements the method.

Abstract: An exemplary method provides cellular communications for handsets capable of communications using a conventional RF communication mode and a second ultra-wide band RF communication mode. An RF voice communication link is established between the handset and a base station using the conventional communication mode. A decrease in signal strength of the RF link is detected to be at a level at which a hand-off should be made. No other base stations utilizing the conventional communication mode have an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the base station. Another base station using the ultra-wide band second communication mode has an acceptable signal strength level with the handset to support a hand-off from the current base station.